Welcome!
Hurrah for adventures!
Look how far you have come. The stories and time and investment leads to this moment where you are about to close some chapters while starting many new chapters. Imagine your first grade self, your sixth grade self, looking at you now. You’ve made it!
I am happy to be your guide documenting who you are here and now. One day you may be a teacher or senator or content creator. Today, you are a high school senior. And that deserves awesome photos. I live in the world of images. I am endlessly curious. I am happy to answer questions and help with ideas. I also encourage you to choose your adventure and make all these ideas your own. After all, you know your story better than anyone.
With that being said, I’d love to let you know what to expect. From the photo location to what to wear, we’re a team. I’ll let you know how this whole adventure becomes fun for all of us!
What to Expect
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
—E. E. Cummings
Very few people in the world can step in front of the camera and feel amazing. The rest of us tend to feel anything from nervous to terrified. The era of digital photography is a bit of a kindness because it can give us many, many chances. It can also feel more complicated because every click may add to the nervousness.
I have plenty of tips and advice for how to help the camera see you in your most flattering angles. Our goal is to create cool photos with minimal stress.
I like photographs that are authentic. I do not arrange you like a doll. We chat and (hopefully) laugh and create portraits that are expected (the “safe” portait) and try different ideas for special effects and unique photos too.
Depending on the mood, we will spend a few moments getting the “grandparent/parent shots.” You know the ones, the ones where you look at the camera with a pleasant expression. The one that grandparents love to display on the mantle or fridge. We take care of that one early (hopefully) so we can spend the rest of the session capturing your personality. You don’t need to look at the camera all the time or smile like the school asked you to do all those years. I want you to be you. This is your moment to shine.
Locations
“I go to seek a Great Perhaps.”
—Francois Rabelais
We can make just about anywhere look great in photos. With that said, I know a few nearby locations that look far away without requiring big hikes. I don’t climb to the top of a mountain. Locations that reflect your personality create meaningful sessions. We can be creative and include spaces that reflect your story. We can include things that matter to you- whether that’s a car or a cello or a football or a lightsaber.
What to Wear
Far and away, this is Most Often Asked Question. I want to give ideas as well as a few cautions. When choosing clothing, consider comfort.
Click here for more information about choosing outfits for your session then return to this window :)
A Little About Me
Before choosing photography, I was a writer. I directed children’s theater. We love to laugh (as evidenced in our group photo here). I don’t take myself too seriously. My favorite activities include treasure-hunting at thrift stores and volunteering at AnimalSave cat rescue. The most important thing in my photographs is my kids, my cat and bunny, and my silly fluffy dog named Chewbacca..
Creativity is my soul food. I write craft books and novels. We’re currently watching through the Lord of the Rings movies. I can be a little scattered at times, but I always believe in kindness and love. Let’s bring out the best in one another.
Our Photography Timeline
Before our session, we get a chance to consult about planning and logistics. It’s always nice to meet in person! However, if that’s too challenging, we can talk on the phone or Skype.
After our session. I go home and offload images. I check through because I like to see that what we created. Processing the collectiion can take a few weeks because I like to take a little time to see them more objectively. In the moment, I tend to favorite waaay too many image. If you have a hope for using the photos, like Grandma’s birthday, let me know so I can coordinate my projects.
I choose the best photos from our time together. Choosing the Keeper photos can be a big job. After all, you don’t want thirty images of leaning against a tree. You probably want the best one, which can be a little tricky as I need to go back and forth to see which angle looks the very best.
I edit them for color and light. I enhance a few special images for without being obvious. I do not like heavy filters or effects that will make the images look super-dated. I like a timeless quality. I know how to blend images and/or swap expressions so one blink doesn’t derail our favorite portrait. I am mindful not to spend too much time on the computer, so I appreciate getting a moment together in front of the camera, but, at the same time, don’t stress about micromanaging every expression.
I believe in us :)
Thank you for planning this adventure with me. I value each and every creative opportunity!
“The old rules are crumbling and nobody knows what the new rules are.
So make up your own rules.”
—Neil Gaiman
A note about pets: I love pets! If you want to include your dog or cat in a few images, let’s make that happen :)
And can you bring a friend! Yes! They can help you with paying attention to your hair and give you encouragement. We won’t “double” the images, but we can take a photo of you together at the end :)
Congratulations!